Overview
The Coachella Valley, located in Southern California is the home to several desert communities of which Palm Springs is the most famous and well-known. Other desert communities include Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta, Indian Wells, Indio, Desert Hot Springs, Thousand Palms, Bermuda Dunes and Coachella Valley. The valley extends for approximately 45 miles (72 km) in Riverside County southeast from the San Bernardino Mountains to the saltwater Salton Sea, the largest lake in California. Nestled at the base of the majestic San Jacinto Mountains, the City of Palm Springs is the ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Since the 1920s, Palm Springs has been Hollywood’s desert playground for celebrities to relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of showbiz. From Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack to the Brat Pack and today’s top celebrities Palm Springs and the desert has been a place to come get away for sun, fun and relaxation.
What to Do
Palm Springs and the desert communities are most famous for the over 130 golf courses. Prefer tennis, the Indian Wells tennis tournament is a top tier event showcasing the top players in the world. If music is your thing don’t miss the Coachella Music Festival held every year in April. If you merely want a vacation filled with great restaurants, stellar shopping, wonderful hikes and of course plenty of sunshine Palm Springs, Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage will fit the bill. Of course, you may just want to come and relax and soak up the sun or enjoy a world class day spa. That is all possible here! The desert will certainly keep you occupied for quite awhile.
Where to Stay
There are plenty of hotels in Palm Springs, Palm Desert as well as many Vacation Rentals that will fit any budget. There are many swanky, high end and funky hotels, as well as well plenty of budget choices.
Getting There
Palm Springs is located 120 miles E of downtown Los Angeles and 135 miles NE of San Diego off the 10 Freeway. The other desert communities lie further east.